Why teach historical fiction?
Students are currently deeply embedded in their historical fiction novels. Though they are reading different texts, all books are set in the time period of the civil rights movement. As we time travel back to the 1950s and 1960s and students actively discuss their texts, I found myself doing research on the benefits of reading historical fiction with students.
Here's what I found:
- The most obvious reason: it teaches them about history.
- It makes history matter to students. Reading about the past can allow, encourage, and teach students to identify with other voices, cultures, views, and time periods. It promotes multiple perspectives on a topic. In doing so, it can teach students empathy and compassion. This is a good life skill, of course.
- It presents complexity of issues because most historical texts involve a deeper level of research. It It allows students to compare themselves to those characters in their books and reflect on their own decision making. It can spark conversations about voice, views and opinions. About doing what is right.
Students are currently reading one of these four novels: The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis; A Friendship for Today by Patricia McKissack; The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine; and Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jerri Watts. We hope you join us on our journey through time!
Here's what I found:
- The most obvious reason: it teaches them about history.
- It makes history matter to students. Reading about the past can allow, encourage, and teach students to identify with other voices, cultures, views, and time periods. It promotes multiple perspectives on a topic. In doing so, it can teach students empathy and compassion. This is a good life skill, of course.
- It presents complexity of issues because most historical texts involve a deeper level of research. It It allows students to compare themselves to those characters in their books and reflect on their own decision making. It can spark conversations about voice, views and opinions. About doing what is right.
Students are currently reading one of these four novels: The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis; A Friendship for Today by Patricia McKissack; The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine; and Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jerri Watts. We hope you join us on our journey through time!
Lucy who?
In November, I had the chance to attend a reading conference downtown. The keynote speaker was Lucy Calkins, and she was talking about what Reader's Workshop looks like in intermediate classrooms. Lucy is "THE" Reading and Writing guru, so it was an exciting and event filled day of learning for me. Upon returning to the classroom, I knew I would like to try out her "Reading Kit," and it was purchased for me to use with the students. We began after break, and the students are currently focusing on this question: What makes a good written response to text? They've been looking at models of other 5th grade responses and also working on crafting their own responses to the text Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. See the photos below to see the students at work.
To learn more about Lucy Calkins, click here: http://www.heinemann.com/authors/430.aspx
To learn more about Lucy Calkins, click here: http://www.heinemann.com/authors/430.aspx
Welcome to the 2016 Book Challenge...Are You In?
When we came back from break, the students and I took some time to reflect on our reading lists and habits so far this school year. We updated our "iRead" board and students have enjoyed getting recommendations from each other in that way (see pics).
But I wanted to challenge them (and myself) to read a little bit outside of our comfort zones. After seeing numerous posts and blogs on the topic of "Reading Challenges," I decided to create one for the students and me. The goal is to read (cover to cover) as many books as you can that fit into the categories listed on the Reading Challenge. Students can keep track of their progress on a chart in their Reader's Notebook, and I will keep track of my progress on my chart hanging in the 5th grade hallway. We'd love to have friends and families join us on the Reading Challenge. I've included a PDF file of a blank copy in case you'd like to try at home, and I've also included a photo of my chart so you can see my progress so far. Let us know if you're joining us! |
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Happy New Year! Happy New Books!
For me, the best part of the year's end (besides Christmas cookies) are the "best of" reading lists. I am proud when I see books I've purchased for the classroom on these lists, and head to my local bookstore and Amazon to purchase those I still need. Below are some of the lists I've been looking at over break. Feel free to browse for something that would be a good fit for your child!
From the Nonfiction Detectives, the best Nonfiction Books of 2015: http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/2015/12/best-nonfiction-books-of-2015.html
From the Nerdy Book Club, the Nonfiction Winners: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/the-2015-nerdies-nonfiction-winners-announced-by-donalyn-miller/
From the Nerdy Book Club, the Graphic Novel Winners: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/29/the-2015-nerdies-graphic-novel-winners-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
From The Nerdy Book Club, the best Middle Grade Fiction: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2016/01/01/the-2015-nerdies-middle-grade-fiction-announced-by-colby-sharp/
From the Nerdy Book Club, the best Poetry and Novels in Verse: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/the-2015-nerdies-poetry-and-novels-in-verse-winners-announced-by-mary-lee-hahn/
From the Nonfiction Detectives, the best Nonfiction Books of 2015: http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/2015/12/best-nonfiction-books-of-2015.html
From the Nerdy Book Club, the Nonfiction Winners: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/the-2015-nerdies-nonfiction-winners-announced-by-donalyn-miller/
From the Nerdy Book Club, the Graphic Novel Winners: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/29/the-2015-nerdies-graphic-novel-winners-announced-by-katherine-sokolowski/
From The Nerdy Book Club, the best Middle Grade Fiction: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2016/01/01/the-2015-nerdies-middle-grade-fiction-announced-by-colby-sharp/
From the Nerdy Book Club, the best Poetry and Novels in Verse: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/the-2015-nerdies-poetry-and-novels-in-verse-winners-announced-by-mary-lee-hahn/
Patricia Polacco Author Investigation
The week before winter break, students explored four Patricia Polacco winter themed texts. They were challenged to find the one pattern that is seen throughout her books, and they were able to discover it! Ask your child to identify the pattern and tell you why they think she includes it in all her books. HINT: Look at clothing closely!
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Nonfiction galore!
In the months of November and December, students worked on nonfiction reading strategies. Students worked in small guided reading groups and also discussed numerous articles from the Scholastic News Magazines. Some of the topics they read about and analyzed were as follows: the decline of lions in Africa; chimpanzee intelligence; the negative effects of using earbuds; the debate over using Native American tribe names for sports teams; and the use of dogs to help identify food allergies.
Guided Reading & Vocabulary Groups Have Begun
Students are now deeply embedded in their vocabulary groups and guided reading discussions. Students are learning about context clues in their vocab groups and focusing on character development during guided reading. At home, you can help your child by reviewing their vocab cards with them, asking them to read (aloud) their vocab text (to practice their fluency), or ask them to tell you about the characters in their guided reading text.
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International Dot Day!
Our 5th grade classes had a wonderful time celebrating International Dot Day on September 15th! The special day is based around Peter Reynolds book "The Dot" and encourages readers to make their mark on the world. 5th graders dressed in dots and created a team canvas. They also created individual mini canvases which are on display in the upstairs hallway. Click on the video to watch the youtube clip of the book.
What is Close Reading?
This past week students worked on close reading strategies using a narrative non-fiction text on the topic of 3D printers. Close Reading requires students to get truly involved with the text they are reading. The purpose is to teach them to notice features and language used by the author. Students are required to think thoroughly and methodically about the details in a text. My role as the teacher is to help students determine how a text is organized, and understand the effect of the author’s word choice in a certain passage. Close reading goes “deeper than the text." It mines what is under the surface of the words. Students eventually evaluate or critique what is written. The photos show examples of close reading questions and student responses.
Later in the week students discussed September 11th. They learned of one country's way of showing compassion to Americans from the story 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy. For more information about this text, please check out the video to the right. NOTE: Students were NOT shown this video; only the book was read. Additional information about the Maasai people and their cows can be found here: http://14cowsforamerica.com/ Students were challenged to go out and do one deed of kindness this weekend to honor those lost 14 years ago. |
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Text + My Thinking = Mind Blown!
Students are revisiting Reading Strategies before they begin guided reading groups. They were reminded that when they add the text (words and illustrations) to their own thinking (schema), the results can be mind-blowing!
Today as students heard the story The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg, they worked on the questioning strategy. They asked themselves questions before, during and after the story was read to them. Ask your child was symbolism was used in the text - and what the wretched stone really was!
http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Stone-Chris-Van-Allsburg/dp/0395533074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441230810&sr=8-1&keywords=wretched+stone
Today as students heard the story The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg, they worked on the questioning strategy. They asked themselves questions before, during and after the story was read to them. Ask your child was symbolism was used in the text - and what the wretched stone really was!
http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Stone-Chris-Van-Allsburg/dp/0395533074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441230810&sr=8-1&keywords=wretched+stone
Our First 5 Days...
It's been such a great week getting to know all the fifth grade students as readers! They spent some time sharing their favorite stories and created a web of books. They headed outside and read books simply for the enjoyment of reading. Each student also created their own "iTune into Reading" where they will keep track of the books they read and want to share with others. Mrs. McCoy surprised them with the first "Read and Ride." They LOVED the idea of pedaling while they read and decided they want MORE to use in the classroom. They also took a Reading assessment which will help me understand how I can best support them during instruction. Looking ahead, they'll be exposed to mini-lessons on how to use their "Reader's Notebooks" and take an additional comprehension assessment.
Looking for a great way to match books to your readers at home? Check out James Patterson's "Read Kiddo Read" which has books lists based on ages, interests, and genres. http://www.readkiddoread.com/
Looking for a great way to match books to your readers at home? Check out James Patterson's "Read Kiddo Read" which has books lists based on ages, interests, and genres. http://www.readkiddoread.com/
Who's Mrs. Reilley?
Hello! My name is Katie Reilley and I'm excited to be part of your child's fifth grade year. I live in Elburn with my family, so you may recognize me from St. Gall Parish where my family and I are greeters or from a Girl Scout event as I am a co-leader for a Junior Troop. My husband Rob is an avid runner and my daughters Abby and Ally attend John Stewart Elementary School in 5th and 1st grade. We also have a chocolate lab named Murray who we love very much!
I've been a member of the Kaneland teaching community for fifteen years where I've learned alongside students in grades three through five. It's hard for me to believe, but this year marks my nineteenth year of educating students. Time flies when you're having fun!
While I enjoy exploring all subject areas, you'll find that I am most passionate about reading. I believe reading helps me grow as a person, expands my view on life, and affects my professional and personal decision making. Reading also enhances my communication skills as it widens my knowledge as a wordsmith. To me, reading is like virtual traveling; it allows me to visit different places and time periods and puts me in situations I'd never be able to see firsthand. In his novel The Fault in Our Stars, John Green said, “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” This year, my goal is to find the book that fills your children with such zeal and continue them on their lifelong journeys as readers and thinkers.
I've been a member of the Kaneland teaching community for fifteen years where I've learned alongside students in grades three through five. It's hard for me to believe, but this year marks my nineteenth year of educating students. Time flies when you're having fun!
While I enjoy exploring all subject areas, you'll find that I am most passionate about reading. I believe reading helps me grow as a person, expands my view on life, and affects my professional and personal decision making. Reading also enhances my communication skills as it widens my knowledge as a wordsmith. To me, reading is like virtual traveling; it allows me to visit different places and time periods and puts me in situations I'd never be able to see firsthand. In his novel The Fault in Our Stars, John Green said, “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” This year, my goal is to find the book that fills your children with such zeal and continue them on their lifelong journeys as readers and thinkers.